Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Ector County
Ector County is part of the Southern High Plains, Southwestern Part land resource region (MLRA 77D). The county's mean elevation is about 3,017 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Ector County sees 13.5 in of rain, a 64.8°F mean annual temperature.
Ector County carries 3,421 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 406,195 acres. 178 farms operate in the county, averaging 2,344 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | Permian Basin / West Texas |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Horses, Goats, Poultry, Sheep, Hogs |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Moderate Drought (D1) — watch for worsening; LFP not currently triggered.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor · Updated 2026-09-08
Your Local USDA Offices
Your nearest USDA Service Center houses both NRCS (conservation programs like EQIP and CSP) and FSA (loans, disaster assistance, farm numbers). Here are the offices serving Ector County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
801 S Pagewood Ave, Ste 4, Odessa, TX 79761
Office info is from USDA’s published directory. Call ahead to confirm hours before visiting.
What to do when you call: Ask to schedule a meeting with a conservation planner (for EQIP/CSP) or a loan officer (for FSA programs). Mention the type of operation you run and what improvements you're considering.
Farm Structure in Ector County
The 2022 Census of Agriculture puts Ector County at an average farm size of 2,344 acres, 48% small operations, 28% of producers aged 65 or older, and about 389 acres irrigated. Those numbers shape which programs fit — your FSA and NRCS staff can tell you which ranking pool your operation falls into.
What Tends to Fit in Ector County
Ector County's top commodities in the 2022 Census were cattle, equine, and equine. That mix shapes which conservation practices tend to be worth asking about — for grazing operations, prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing, and for rangeland, brush management. Your local NRCS office sets the ranking pools each year and can tell you which ones your operation falls into.
Programs for Ector County Operations
Based on the agricultural profile of Ector County, these programs are most likely to be relevant:
Rangeland restoration, brush management, and livestock water in arid conditions.
Commonly funded practices in this area: Brush management, livestock water development, prescribed grazing, and range planting.
Not sure which programs fit? Run our free eligibility screener. It takes 2 minutes and generates a personalized action packet you can print and bring to your USDA office.
Local Conservation Priorities
Each county's NRCS Local Working Group sets the conservation practices that score highest for EQIP funding. Knowing your county's priorities before you apply can significantly improve your ranking.
How to find your county's priorities:
- Call your local NRCS office and ask: "What practices is the Local Working Group prioritizing this year?"
- Ask which EQIP ranking pool your operation fits (there may be separate pools for livestock, cropland, forestry, etc.)
- Check your state NRCS website for published ranking criteria
Nearby Counties
Operators in Ector County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Andrews County, Texas, Crane County, Texas, Midland County, Texas, Upton County, Texas, Ward County, Texas, and Winkler County, Texas. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Ector County
- Run the eligibility screener to see which programs fit your operation: Free Screener
- Find your local USDA Service Center and call to schedule a meeting: Service Center Locator
- Read the full Texas guide for statewide program details, deadlines, and office contacts: Texas Farm Programs Guide
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